The Town of Porter/Village of Youngstown Republican Committee has announced its endorsement of (left to right) Will Ziegler for Youngstown Village trustee, Norm Swann for Village of Youngstown mayor and Tim Adamson for Youngstown village trustee.

Village of Lewiston residents can expect a mild tax increase in the next fiscal year. Trustees voted Monday to increase the tax rate to $7.26 per $1,000 of assessed valuation - an increase of 14 cents. They also approved a special use permit for the new Fresh Start café.

James (Jim) R. Franey was chosen by Village of Lewiston Mayor Terry Collesano as the 2014 Village of Lewiston Citizen of the Year. Franey's service and commitment to the community has been part of his life for more than half a century, as he worked to protect the businesses and residents of Lewiston and educate the public about fire safety and prevention.

Carol Calato, board chairwoman of the Historic Lewiston Jazz Festival, has announced the organization will host its annual fundraiser Sunday, May 4, at Water Street Landing, 115 S. Water St., Lewiston. The "Jazz and Pasta" event will begin at 1 p.m. and continues through 7 p.m. All proceeds support the Jazz Festival.

William Conrad of Sanborn took his oath Monday as the newest member of the Lewiston Town Board. Conrad, the former chairman of the Town of Lewiston Zoning Board of Appeals, was the top choice of Supervisor Dennis Brochey. He won unanimous approval from Town Board members to fill the seat vacated by Ernie Palmer.

Lewiston residents spoke in favor of the proposed Niagara Marketplace & Bistro at a public hearing Monday. The business would operate at 400 Plain St., at the corner of South Fourth Street, and serve vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Local and regional leaders presented citations to Anthony DiMino, owner of the Lewiston Tops supermarket, as part of Monday's Village Board meeting. The business is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.

The Ransomville Volunteer Fire Co. has been chosen by Town of Porter Supervisor Merton Wiepert as recipients of the 2014 Town of Porter Citizens of the Year award. The fire company, all volunteers, leads an active schedule of community service, responding to emergencies, and is dedicated to making this area of Niagara County a great place to live.

The Lewiston community is fortunate to have escaped the latest round of diocesan cuts to Catholic schools throughout Western New York. Now, it is rallying around St. Peter R.C. School on Center Street.

While the weather outside might still be frightful, the Lewiston Garden Club is already thinking spring. Plans are underway for the ninth annual Lewiston GardenFest, slated for Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, along Center Street in Lewiston.

Charles James Arthur Farrell visited Mount St. Mary's Hospital recently as part of his and his mom's check-up visit after being the first baby born at Mount St. Mary's in 2014. The staff presented the family with a gift basket in recognition of Charles being the first baby in 2014.

Lewiston kicked its winter blues this weekend with the second annual Lewiston Cocktail Festival. Large groups of village visitors lined the sidewalks, as more than 1,000 people patronized 10 participating eateries Friday and Saturday.

Lewiston residents can debate which pizzeria is best, where they'd rather grab a drink after work or hang out on weekends. Where time and money are spent will vary depending on the person. One unquestioned, undeniable certainty is that almost every one of them will set foot inside DiMino Tops Lewiston to grocery shop.

St. Peter R.C. School hosts its annual grand gala auction and dinner Saturday, March 22. "An Angelic Evening" will be had by all in attendance at 5 p.m. inside the Four Points By Sheraton, 7001 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. The evening includes a basket raffle, silent and live auctions.

The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University's popular "Meet Me at the CAM" programs are back this spring with a diverse lineup of presentations. Sculptor Susan Geissler will open the season Wednesday, March 26.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Niagara River Greenway Fund Standing Committee will hold a meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, to vote on funding for projects being proposed to the Standing Committee by State Parks.

Domestic pigs were brought in to the southeastern United States in the early 1500s by the Spanish explorers and settlers. In the following years, these pigs would escape from captivity, and turn into wild ones (hogs) on their own.

With its North Sixth Street firehall renovations complete, Lewiston No. 1 Volunteer Fire Co. wants to get the word out that among the many improvements is a newly furbished banquet hall, complete with a choice of two top-notch caterers, that's available for use in the community.

Applications are now available for the 48th annual Lewiston Art Festival, which will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 10, in the Village of Lewiston. More than 175 professional artists will display and sell their work and compete for $5,000 in prizes in the juried show.

On Friday, the occupants of Our Lady of Peace Nursing Residence received special Valentine's Day treats courtesy of the children at Mount St. Mary's Child Care Center, and Village Bake Shoppe owners Mike and Lindsay Fiore.